WAUNAKEE, Wis. (WMTV) – The Waunakee Village Board decided to postpone a vote Monday night that will determine the fate of a proposed solar farm within town limits.
The Six Mile Solar project was proposed by One Energy, and will be developed on land owned by Madison Gas & Electric, close to the Savannah Village neighborhood in Waunakee.
Nearly 100 people came to the public hearing, many of them making public comments opposing the project. At least 100 others sent written comments to the board.
Project manager, Nolan Stumpft, said the solar farm would create the equivalent energy as what’s used amongst 1,600 average Wisconsin households.
The company has so far taken the proper steps towards gaining a Conditional Use Permit (CUP), which is needed to start construction. To receive this, they need the votes from the village board’s public hearing.
One Energy’s initial studies have not shown any significant impact to the surrounding community or environment. Many Waunakee residents still have concerns about noise pollution, visual appearance, wildlife harm and impacts on surrounding property value.
“It’s a very edgy topic because I don’t know of anyone in Waunakee that is opposed to solar panels,” said Craig Nelson, a Waunakee resident. “We are for green energy, anyone you talk to, but it’s the location, the proximity to the village.”
Nelson lives less than half a mile from the project site. He worried most about how the solar farm might decrease his property’s value.
“This project will change Waunakee forever,” Lynn King, another Savannah Village resident, said at the meeting. “It has no benefit in any way, shape or form.”
Only two residents spoke in favor of the project.
Board president, Kristin Runge reminded community members multiple times to stay calm and respectful while making comments.
The public hearing lasted more than three hours. After board deliberation, they decided to postpone the vote. A future meeting about the solar farm proposal has not yet been set.
Click here to download the WMTV15 News app or our WMTV15 First Alert weather app.
Copyright 2025 WMTV. All rights reserved.

source